This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Tracy, oh man, I was all ready to lose the copaxone for a while. Maybe I shouldn't... I guess I will take it along.
I will pick up a hot water bottle today too.

OC - That is great about your Walgreens! I have never had that good of a response from mine. Those things are also available through Amazon.com, although I never checked the shipping cost.

Rose - That is soooo great about your busy day, but especially your evening out! Keep telling me those stories, I love it! I am going to go grab some straws I have here and throw them in right now, so we don't forget at the hospital.

Thanks you guys!

Remember, no nightgowns or tops that you have to raise your arms up to put on.
I still can't do it . I have to keep my right upper arm down and pull my tops off and on around that shoulder. It is alot better and I think it was almost perfect before I slammed the car door the other day and now I am limited again. But better today.
just fyi
Rose

Beth,
There are a LOT of good places to eat around there. I hope you are able to try a few. I brought my own pillow to the hospital. I never like the hospital or hotel ones, although the pillows at the Sheraton are pretty good. Bring some Extra Strength Tylenol for after the procedure. I agree with the hot water bottle. I think a heating pad would be a good idea too. When flying bring a neck pillow. My headaches were worse when my neck was strained, so that pillow helped quite a bit. Oh, and comfy clothes are a must!
As for me...I stopped taking my Copaxone. This is absolutely a personal choice. I hope I never need it again!
I will be thinking of you:):):) When is your flight?

Rose - Okay, I am going to go look for some more tops with buttons and maybe another pair of pj's.

Rhonda! - Nice to SEE you!! Awesome picture. Okay, I am going to go look around for a neck pillow and throw in the tylenol.

Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!

I agree with the hot water bottle. I think a heating pad would be a good idea too

CAUTION!! no heat near the stent area itself!! Increasing blood flow in that area is not desirable in the healing phase. You do not want to trigger vasodilation at all, let the stents settle and heal in there.

I beg you both to talk to Dr Dake about when and under what parameters you can add heat. I wanted heat in the hospital and he said "that wouldn't be good for the stents". I was about 4 weeks out before I asked him if I could heat a kitchen towel in the micro and throw it around my neck in the back to relax those miserable muscles, that was allowed.

Heating pads generally provide more heat than is wanted for things like this, it is usually warmer than you want and lasts for too long. A water bottle at least cools down so that in 20 minutes you done with actual added heat.

Neck roll is an excellant idea! oh man I dreamed of my neck pillow while I was there.....

You'll do great!

Marie wrote

CAUTION!! no heat near the stent area itself!! Increasing blood flow in that area is not desirable in the healing phase. You do not want to trigger vasodilation at all, let the stents settle and heal in there.

DITTO, DITTO!!!!

When I was in the hospital, a nurse thought a hot pad would help my sore throat --- good thing she was about ready to leave for the evening. The new nurse came in and immediately took it away.... be careful everyone!

Sharon

Okay, I am going to zip that bag shut any time now. Any other ideas?
Thank you guys so much! I will post all these ideas to the 'getting ready' thread later. I will find out about the hot water bottle when I talk to Dr. Dake.

Good luck in Cali. Hoping for stenosis!!!

Beth - you can get the neck pillow at Walgreens, Target

Good luck -

Mark (Skydog) will be pulling into Palo Alto for his follow-up on Tuesday or Wednesday. My daughter and my friend Mary will be there on Thursday for follow-up. Dr. D. is going to have a busy week!!

Beth, How is it going?? I hope you are doing well. Check in when you can:)

Hey guys! I am laying flat in recovery, All is good, really good. One low jugular stent. More later.
Sharon - thanks for the phone smuggling tip.

Good for you Beth - we will await your update. Take care of yourself.

Sharon

Great News Beth! Hope you recover soon x

Rest and keep us posted. You did it!!!!!